Influx of new arrivals leaves horse centre seeking potential owners

AN East Staffordshire horse rehoming centre is appealing for experienced owners to offer a new home to some of its residents after being inundated with new arrivals.

The Blue Cross centre in Dovecliff Road, Rolleston, has seen an increase in the number of young cobs arriving for rehoming throughout spring, which as a result has left it close to bursting point. It is now looking for assistance from people in the area who have the knowledge and facilities to provide a new home for some of the horses currently in its care.

At present, the centre is caring for 26 cobs, whose age ranges from just a few days old to 15 years. Within the first three months of this year, the charity admitted 60 horses and ponies on a national level, which is saw a 30 per cent increase on the amount taken in between January and March 2013.

The centre hopes that by finding homes for the horses currently in its care, it will be able to free up space so that it can take on more urgent welfare cases for horses that are in need of immediate help.

The charity estimates that there are currently 7,000 horses and ponies throughout the UK that are currently at risk from neglect. As a result of the escalating welfare crisis, horse charities throughout the country are experiencing financial strains on their funding and resources.

Maria Kavanagh, who works at the Blue Cross centre in Rolleston said: “Most of these lovely cobs are ready to be ridden and they all have lovely temperaments. We really need them to find homes so that we have space for more homeless horses to be cared for and rehabilitated.”

Anyone that wishes to find out more information about giving a horse a home can do so by visiting www.bluecross.org.uk